Prayer Vigil Planned for DACA DREAMers in Leesburg

Days after President Donald J. Trump took steps to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, Saint Gabriel’s Episcopal Church is planning a bilingual prayer vigil to support the families that could impacted by the change in federal policy.

The event will be held at Saint James’ Episcopal Church in Leesburg on Friday, Sept. 8 at 7 p.m.

Under the direction of the Rev. Daniel Vélez-Rivera, the

St. Gabriel’s congregation will pray for DACA DREAMer’s and for elected officials to create righteous legislation on behalf of the immigrants in our country. Community members who want to make a difference are invited to participate.

DACA provides protection from deportation for those who

were brought to this country as children.

Organizers said DACA recipients have an as American identity as any other person who grew up on this soil. “We ache with them as they speak of the fear of separation from family members and deportation to their parents’ homeland. We join with all Americans and the faith community who support DREAMers and believe that they should be offered a just pathway to citizenship. We stand in solidarity with all DREAMers and invite you to stand with them as well,” according to a statement from the congregation. “What did Jesus do in challenging times? He talked to God in prayer. What can we do? We can talk to God in prayer.”